The federal government has restated its commitment to advancing the fight against cancer through research, education, and advocacy.
The government explained that its goal was to improve cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday in Abuja to mark this year’s World Cancer Day, the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, NICRAT, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, explained that the commitment of the present federal administration “to driving progress in cancer care extends to fostering innovation and discovery through substantial funding for cancer research in Nigeria.”
According to him, “The strategic procurement of advanced cancer treatment equipment represents a significant stride towards closing the care gap, and enhancing the infrastructure of cancer care across the country.
“The improvement in the cancer health fund, and the introduction of childhood cancer counterpart fund has been a pivotal step in our pursuit of equitable and sustainable financing for cancer care and treatment.
“This initiative fulfils a critical need, providing the necessary resources to enhance patient care and support across the country,” he further explained.
Also, speaking at the event,the President of Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr. Adamu Alhassan Umar,said urgent action was needed to bridge cancer care gap in the country.
“The Nigerian Cancer Society calls on citizens to share cancer knowledge, embrace government initiatives like the national HPV Vaccine rollout, adopt healthy lifestyles, and obtain insurance coverage, uniting against the menace of cancer,” he said.
He called on the government to increase funding for cancer research and foster collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
The government, he added, must “incorporate comprehensive cancer services and ensure universal health coverage by including cancer services in national health benefit packages.”
